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Applicants' opinions about the selection process for oral surgery programs
Journal of Oral Surgery (American Dental Association : 1965)
|August 1, 1977
Summary
A survey of oral surgery graduate program applicants reveals that personal interviews are highly valued, while traditional academic metrics are inconsistently used in screening. This study examines applicant demographics and offers insights into improving the application system.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Medical Education
- Applicant Screening
Background:
- The application process for oral surgery graduate programs is competitive and complex.
- Understanding applicant demographics and perceptions is crucial for program evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey applicants to oral surgery graduate programs to understand their demographics and views on the application process.
- To identify potential inequities in the current application system.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 170 candidates requesting application forms for oral surgery graduate programs at the University of Kentucky.
- Eighty-five applicants (85) responded to the survey.
Main Results:
- The average applicant was 28 years old, married, and attended dental school in the southeast or midwest.
- Applicants applied to an average of ten programs and considered personal interviews very important.
- Traditional academic criteria like basic science grades and class rank were not consistently prioritized in initial candidate screening.
Conclusions:
- The current system for screening oral surgery graduate program applicants may have inherent inequities.
- Suggestions are provided to address these inequities and improve the application process.
